Getting locked out of your home is annoying to say the least. You don’t pay a mortgage or rent in order to not live in the house or apartment. Unfortunately, this situation is one that we’ve all had to deal with at some point. 

Whether you’ve lost your keys, forgotten them inside, or your lock has malfunctioned, being locked out of your house is never a fun situation. The same goes for being locked out of your car, which can feel even more precarious, because you might be trapped in an industrial estate with miles upon miles to walk if you hope to get back home – worse yet if you’ve left the office later than anyone else.

But don’t panic just yet! In this post, we’ll go over some practical steps you can take to get back inside and get on with your day.

Is There Any Way In?

Before you start calling for help, it’s good to notify those close to you. If they have no ability to give you access for a little time, take a quick walk around your house to see if there are any windows or doors that are unlocked. Sometimes, even the smallest window or pet door can be enough to get you back inside.

If you’re lucky, you may be able to climb through an open window or door to retrieve your keys and get back in. You might have to explain this noise to a concerned neighbor, but it could save you a little time here, and of course, if you own the property then there’s no trespass committed.

Locksmiths Are Your Friend

If all the doors and windows are securely locked, it’s time to call in the professionals. An emergency locksmith can help you get back inside your house quickly and efficiently, without causing any damage to your lock or door.

They’ll be able to pick the lock, make you a new key, or install a new lock, depending on the situation. Just be sure to find a reputable locksmith, and ask for an estimate of the cost before they start work so you can agree on the price. In some cases they may even help you commit to further work, like replacing all of the locks into your house if you’re concerned that your keychain is lost. They may also be able to print you a new receiver for your vehicle fob key.

Emergency locksmiths know this situation can hit at any time of day or night – so don’t be afraid to call on their services when required.

See If You Can Get A Ride Home

If you’re locked out of your car and are unable to find a solution, consider asking a colleague for a ride home. If you work nearby and have a trusted colleague, they may be able to help you out in a time of need. Just make sure to clearly explain your situation and offer to repay them in some way, such as treating them to lunch the next day. Having a supportive network of colleagues can be a valuable resource, especially in unexpected situations like being locked out of your car or stuck outside of your home for hours before anyone can see to you.

Perhaps one day you’ll be called on to repay the favor, and even though it’s inconvenient, you’ll go out of your way to offer it. After all, the more you can curate a helpful approach in this way, the better you’ll be able to pay off that debt of goodwill.

Retrace Your Steps To Find Your Keys

If you have a general idea of where you may have lost your keys, it’s a good idea to retrace your steps and see if you can find them. This could involve checking your pockets, your car, or any other places you may have been before you realized you were locked out.

You may never find your keys, or you may find them, what matters is that you tried to locate them diligently for your own peace of mind. As we’ve mentioned above, having your locks replaced can be a good idea, because there’s a chance someone with negative intentions is out there with access to your usual locks. They may not know where you live or what time your house is vacant, but you’ll still be able to rest easier knowing they won’t have access.

Find Temporary Shelter

If you’re unable to get back inside your home or find someone to give you a ride, you may need to find a temporary shelter. This could be a friend or family member’s home, a local hotel, or perhaps just a cafe open late until you can get a hold of someone you trust, or get an appointment for the busy locksmith.

Make sure to have the contact information for a few trusted friends or family members on hand, as well as any relevant identification and necessary items like medications. While it’s not ideal, finding a temporary place to stay can give you a safe and comfortable place to rest while you work on getting back inside your home or vehicle.

Protecting Against Future Loss

While being locked out of your home can be a frustrating experience, there are steps you can take to avoid losing your keys in the future. One way to do this is by keeping your keys in a designated place. 

For example, always put your keys in the same place when you come home, like a hook by the door, a bowl on a table, or a designated spot in your purse or wallet. Another way to avoid losing your keys is by getting a spare key made and keeping it with a trusted friend or family member. 

This can come in handy if you ever do misplace your keys. Lastly, you can consider investing in a key tracker, be that an Airtag or another similar option. These trackers can help you locate your keys if you misplace them, reducing the likelihood of being locked out of your home and ensuring you have access to your home at all times.

With this advice, you’re sure to cope with the annoyance of being locked out, and resume your life as normal.